Troubadour (West Hollywood, California) facts for kids
Exterior of the Troubadour in 2006
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| Location | 9081 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, California |
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| Coordinates | 34°04′53″N 118°23′22″W / 34.08138°N 118.389399°W |
| Type | Nightclub |
| Genre(s) | Folk, singer-songwriters, rock, heavy metal |
| Seating type | standing |
| Capacity | 500 |
| Opened | 1957 |
| Website | |
| http://www.troubadour.com | |
The Troubadour is a famous nightclub located in West Hollywood, California, United States. It opened in 1957 as a coffee house. Soon after, it moved to its current spot on Santa Monica Boulevard. This club has been open ever since.
The Troubadour became a very important place for folk music in the 1960s. Later, it was a key spot for singer-songwriters and rock music. In 2011, a documentary film called Troubadours was made about the club. It focused on artists like Carole King and James Taylor.
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A Place for Music Legends
The Troubadour has helped many famous performers become stars. Artists like Elton John, Carole King, James Taylor, and Eagles played early shows here. Their performances at the Troubadour helped them gain future fame.
Early Years and Big Debuts
In 1966, the band Buffalo Springfield played their first show at the club. Randy Newman also started his career there. A very special night happened on August 25, 1970. Neil Diamond introduced Elton John to the American audience. This was Elton John's first show in the United States.
Comedians Cheech & Chong and Steve Martin were also discovered at the Troubadour in the early 1970s. In 1975, Elton John returned to the club. He played a series of special concerts to celebrate its anniversary. In November 2007, James Taylor and Carole King played together again. They celebrated the club's 50th anniversary. This reunited them from their famous 1970 performance.
New Sounds and Rock Eras
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Troubadour welcomed new wave and punk bands. Groups like Bad Religion and Redd Kross played there. Later, in the mid-1980s, the club became known for glam metal bands. Bands such as Guns N' Roses, Mötley Crüe, and Poison often performed.
Guns N' Roses played their very first show at the Troubadour. They were discovered by a music company representative at the club. Even during the glam metal years, the Troubadour still featured other types of music. Artists like Fiona Apple and Radiohead played there in the 1990s.
The Troubadour Today
In the 21st Century, the Troubadour continues to host many different artists. Bands like Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay, and Franz Ferdinand have played there. Rise Against filmed a DVD at the club over five nights.
On April 1, 2016, Guns N' Roses played their first show there after some original members rejoined. Busted also played their first American show as a reformed band at the Troubadour in 2017. Grace VanderWaal started her first national tour at the club in November 2017. Stone Temple Pilots also introduced their newest singer there that same month.
Facing Challenges
In 2020, like many small businesses, the Troubadour faced difficulties. The club started a GoFundMe page to raise money. It successfully raised $70,000. In August, Elton John spoke about the club's importance. He expressed concern about its future. Comedian Bill Burr also hosted podcasts from the venue to help raise funds.
Images for kids
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Exterior of the Troubadour in 2006
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The Troubadour's stage, where many stars began.
- official site: http://www.troubadour.com
- Troubadours: The Rise of the Singer-Songwriter at BBC Programmes – TV programme about the influential club and artist scene, on the BBC (2011)
